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There was always a “but” with my dad.

Axel nodded. “Crystal clear.” He turned to me. “I’ll never hurt her again.”

I smiled at him.

My dad exhaled slowly and put his non-bloody hand out for Axel to shake.

Axel shook it.

And I noticed that my dad was squeezing Axel’s hand so hard that his knuckles were turning white.

My dad turned to me. “Pumpkin...”

I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head on his chest. “I just want you to be happy for me.”

He kissed the top of my head. “I’ll never stop worrying about you. That’s what being a dad is. But you’re old enough to make your own decisions. And if you’re happy, I’m so happy for you. That’s all I care about, pumpkin.”

I squeezed him tight. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Okay, now let’s see the ring,” my mom said.

I held out my hand. Everyone oohed and aahed and took turns hugging us.

“So gross,” Liam said to Axel. “She’s my sister, man.” But then the two of them did some weird handshake. So that seemed fine.

But then my brother surprised me. “You won’t find anyone better than my sister though,” he said to Axel.

I laughed and hugged him.

“Yeah, yeah,” Liam said and hugged me back.

I even saw Aunt Hails smile at my dad. And that seemed like maybe that was her letting everything go.

Axel and I were happy. And my dad was right. That’s all that mattered.

Chapter 33 – Prince Charming

Monday

I didn’t think the school week would feel that different. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Because when I stepped into the parking garage Monday morning, Axel’s BMW was parked next to my dad’s car. He was leaning against it with a smile on his face.

He’d only just left my room like ten minutes ago. How was he here so fast? I looked up at my dad. “Is it okay if I...”

“Go,” my dad said with a smile.

I hurried over to Axel.

He leaned down to kiss me, but stopped when my dad cleared his throat.

“Not in front of me,” my dad said.

Axel nodded and opened the car door for me instead. I climbed in. When he sat down and his door was closed I laughed and turned toward him.

“Were you parked here all night?” I asked. “My dad will definitely find out about that. I’m pretty sure he has cameras down here too.”

“I parked around the block.”

I laughed. “You should probably start leaving some clothes at my place, you’re practically living with me.” He’d brought a change of clothes in his backpack this morning. But I could definitely clear out a drawer.